San Martino Di Castrozza

A good spot for a week-end away

General: San Martino di Castrozza is a small resort in the Dolomites / Alpes of Northern Italy. Set in a narrow valley, with a spectacular back-drop, San Martino is a friendly resort favoured by the region's locals. In fact, I don't think we met any non-Italians - and we were there in early Feb!.

Snow / Pistes: San Martino is a small resort - with the ratio of runs aimed at more beginners - intermediates (they claim to have a couple of black runs, but they are more like strong reds). In true Italian style, the pistes are well maintained and good for either improving technique, or to boost your ego. However, Tognola offers some easy access, off-piste for those wanting to try it for the first time.

This being said, it is still a fun spot for more experienced boarders. There is a small boarder park, which whilst in need of some maintenance, had some good kickers, a quater pipe and a small boarder cross run. Not sure if there are heli-boarding options in the region, but from riding up on the chair lifts it looked like there were a few evil-looking, chutes and off-piste routes for those who know no fear.

In addition, a band was shipped up the mountain the week-end we went and playing live music at the side of the park - pretty cool, really.

Town: Very friendly atmosphere. Accomodation vaires, but if you are on a budget, it is very reasonable. We stayed in a small, cheap hotel for 26EUROs / night.

As you would expect for a small town, San Martino does not have the all night party atmosphere of other European resorts, but there are a number of restaurants and bars that provide good food at reasonable prices.

Overall: If you are from the UK and looking for a week-end's boarding that is off the beaten track of standard Alpes resorts, then give this place a try. You might be surprised.